Treatment Options For Cavities

 When you think of a cavity, what comes to mind? A mouthful of pain and discomfort? The need for a drill and filling material like plaque or amalgam (silver)? Or maybe the word "cavity" makes you think about tooth decay or caries. Whatever your reaction is, it probably doesn't sound pleasant. But despite their unpleasantness, cavities are one of the most common dental problems that people experience in their lifetime. In fact, some studies show that more than 50% of children have experienced at least one cavity by age 11! 

And while cavities can affect anyone at any time, they're especially prevalent among those who don't practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly, especially as they get older. If you or a loved one experiences a cavity, it's important to know that you're not alone and that there are treatment options available. Many people think that if they have cavities, their only option is to receive dental restorations such as fillings and crowns (caps) for the affected teeth. 

While those procedures can remedy holes in your tooth and restore function and aesthetics to teeth, there are other options available today, many of which don't require drilling or injections of harsh chemicals like mercury amalgam (silver). In this article, we'll discuss some of the treatment options available for cavities. The first type of treatment for cavities is referred to as restoration, which consists of using fillings or crowns to restore teeth back to their normal function and aesthetics. They are sometimes called "fixed" restorations because they are typically very noticeable in the mouth. To receive supplementary information on LiveHealthy Dentistry please check out here.

Restorations are performed by your dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist). A filling is used for small holes in teeth with thin enamel that usually do not go all the way through to the interior tooth structure. Fillings can be made of different materials depending on your needs, including plastic composites, porcelain inlays/onlays, gold alloy, dental amalgam (silver), and ceramic material. Crowns are used for larger cavities where more of the tooth structure has been compromised. Crowns are typically placed after a dentist prepares (or cleans) the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to receive the crown.

After your dentist places a crown over the prepared tooth, s/he will likely bond it in place using a dental adhesive. Crowns can also be made of different materials: porcelain inlays/onlays, gold alloy, dental amalgam (silver), and ceramic material. Finally, there is one other type of treatment that should be mentioned: sealants (or "paint on" treatments such as Duraphat™) which exist to protect teeth against decay before they start, and this is done by applying a thin plastic-like coating that blocks harmful bacteria from getting into your teeth. 

Sealants are typically placed on the chewing surfaces of the molars, where most cavities occur. If you or your child experiences a cavity, it's important to get it treated as soon as possible. Leaving a cavity untreated can lead to pain and discomfort and cause further damage to the tooth, including infection. So if you're experiencing any symptoms of a cavity such as a toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, discolouration of the tooth, or pus drainage from around the tooth, please see your dentist as soon as possible.